Espanyol are in advanced contract renewal negotiations with goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, forward Sergio Garcia and midfielder Victor Sanchez as the Catalan side looks to retain their core group of Catalan players for years to come.

Espanyol sporting director, Oscar Perarnau recently revealed that the contract negotiations with Casilla and Sanchez are well advanced and are now in the hands of the directors, while the club has just begun talks with captain Sergio Garcia, who is having the best season of his length career, thus complicating matters.

Perarnau also spoke about the loan and transfer of Thievy, who Espanyol were reluctant to sell but the player forced their hand and stated that they tried to sign a forward to replace the Frenchman.

“We depended on it and it took a long time and you lose options with every passing day.

“[Brian Montenegro] was one of the choices and he was an interesting player.

“We tried to bring someone in, but we couldn’t and we must move on.”

Perarnau concluded by stating that they will discuss the future of manager, Javier Aguirre after the season and are trying to retain the services of Jhon Cordoba.

“Both parties will talk at the end of the season. I have the utmost confidence in the squad, I think it’s balanced. I’m very happy with the players and the coaching staff we have.

“We are trying to reach an agreement for Cordoba to stay on. He’s become an explosive player for us, different and has played at a very high level.”